I have 2 new Picco .80 DF engines. I've heard how unreliable these are. I would love to have a newer OS engine or a turbine, but right now kids college comes first. Does anyone have any performance/reliability ideas for me? I've heard of changing the carb to an OS, but what model? They are being mounted on Ramtec fan units. Thanks, any help on this is appreciated

OS .77 carbs worked great on my old Rossi .81s Would probably work on the Piccos, too. I had to make an aluminium adaptor for the Rossi. Don't know about the picco if the mounting is the same as the OS, then no problem. Otherwise make an adaptor that looks like the bottom of the carb you have and the OS will fit the other end.

Thanks Terry,
Did this help the reliability? I've just heard that Picco needs a lot of finesse

I bought a new Picco 80 this winter for a steal, and am scratch building a DF plane for it. I am running it in a Byron fan. I have run it quite a bit on the test stand, using 7% nitro fuel and extra castor added to the mix. I am running it on a macs pipe with pipe pressure to the tank. It starts easily and idles great and has excellent transition, even when rich.

I havent flown it yet, but if it performs anything like on the stand I will be pleased. Maybe you should try and run yours before changing anything or listening to all the negatives? Its the cheapest way to go, since you have it allready.

AJC

If it runs and idles fine, then go for it. The problem I had with the Rossi,(Another Italian Engine) is the idle needle would not stay put. MAybe the Picco will. Only Flight loads will tell.

He's right, if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Ha HA

Thanks for the input! I'm building a A-10 N/AW 2 seater ...Plans are drawn. I hope to start cutting this weekend. I've spent so much time so far, I just have heard some things and I'm paranoid. This is a great site for a little help!

On my Picco 80, the carb is plastic with an aluminum venturi and steel barrel. The main needle is double O ringed and STIFF to turn. The idle is also very stiff and so far has not moved. Maybe the needles will become looser with more run and fly time, but its something to keep an eye on, thanks.

The engine itself runs much better than I imagined it would. Especially the idle and transition. I expected it to run really roughly while still quite rich, and yet it behaved super.

I bought this one figuring that the Picco line of DF engines is no longer available, ie, no more parts readily available - is that correct? I figured for the money I paid for it even if I got a summer or two of flying it would be worth it.

AJC

When I was flying DF I used Picco 80 quit a bit.
The first thing that is going to happen is
the carb is going to loosen up or fall off... heheh

I found the higher nitro helped the idel.
But if you can get an OS carb (I think it fits perfect)
that will make all the difference.

What ever carb you use be sure to blue Locktite
it in everywhere or it may fall off..

Those are good engines, very powerful but
they take some time getting right.
I ran one with a 10x8 prop at around 18k
and it flung the blades off..!!!

Eddie Weeks
http://www.corpcomp.com/weeks1/